The non-conference slate was a mixed bag for Washington State: a loss to BYU, a win over EWU and a win against UNLV.

But now the real test begins.

The Cougars have a chance to make a statement this weekend as they open up Pac-12 play on Homecoming weekend. Colorado is the potential victim – a struggling team coming off an embarrassing loss to Fresno State.

Washington State is a heavy favorite in Saturday's game. With that said, the Cougars can ill-afford to a lose in a very winnable game.

"[I am] really excited, looking forward to seeing how it goes, and I think we'll have some success this year if we can keep preparing well," said center Elliot Bosch.

"Conference play is a big deal," said quarterback Connor Halliday, who may or may not start the game. "We need to win conference games and we need to be better in the Pac-12 than we have been. I think this week, hopefully, we can get off to a good start with that. "

Whitworth is coming off a 10-15 record in 2017-18. Griffith takes over for Higgs, who won 361 games in 24 years leading the Pirates and ranked 48th in total victories among active Division III coaches at the time of her retirement.

WSU Athletics STANFORD, Calif. – Washington State brought the tying run on deck after scoring six runs in the ninth inning but No. 3 Stanford held on for a 9-6 victory at Sunken Diamond Saturday afternoon. WSU (15-30-1, 7-18-1 Pac-12) received two-hit games from Andres Alvarez, Dillon Plew and Brody Barnum. Blake Clanton had a three-run triple as part of a six-run ninth inning for the Cougars who saw the game's final out made after Barnum singled to right field to drive ...>>

WSU Athletics STANFORD, Calif. – Washington State brought the tying run on deck after scoring six runs in the ninth inning but No. 3 Stanford held on for a 9-6 victory at Sunken Diamond Saturday afternoon. WSU (15-30-1, 7-18-1 Pac-12) received two-hit games from Andres Alvarez, Dillon Plew and Brody Barnum. Blake Clanton had a three-run triple as part of a six-run ninth inning for the Cougars who saw the game's final out made after Barnum singled to right field to drive ...>>

By Washington State Athletics SEATTLE – Washington State split its doubleheader with Washington, claiming a 4-1 win in game one before dropping a 6-5 decision after UW scored four runs in the ninth at Husky Ballpark Sunday afternoon. Washington State dropped to 14-23 overall and 6-12 in Pac-12 play while Washington improved to 20-19 overall and 11-7 in league play. Blake Clanton homered in both games to push his season total to five while Justin Harrer homered in the ho...>>

By Washington State Athletics SEATTLE – Washington State split its doubleheader with Washington, claiming a 4-1 win in game one before dropping a 6-5 decision after UW scored four runs in the ninth at Husky Ballpark Sunday afternoon. Washington State dropped to 14-23 overall and 6-12 in Pac-12 play while Washington improved to 20-19 overall and 11-7 in league play. Blake Clanton homered in both games to push his season total to five while Justin Harrer homered in the ho...>>